Larnaca: Glass Bottom Boat Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

Taking a boat trip in Larnaca offers a blend of scenic coastlines, historical sights, and aquatic adventure—all packed into a manageable two-hour window. While we haven’t been on this exact cruise ourselves, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what you can expect, making it an appealing choice for anyone visiting the Cypriot coast.

What draws our attention? First, the stunning views of Larnaca’s coastline from the water, offering a perspective that’s different from walking along the beach. Second, the chance to snorkel around the legendary Zenobia shipwreck, a highlight for marine life and history buffs. Lastly, the friendly crew and relaxing atmosphere seem to make the trip feel both professional and welcoming.

A possible consideration? The glass-bottom features are somewhat limited, with some reviews mentioning the tiny viewing windows don’t offer much visibility. While snorkeling provides a closer look, it might not fully satisfy those expecting expansive underwater views from the boat itself.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a gentle, scenic trip that combines sightseeing with water activities—perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy a laid-back maritime adventure without a strenuous itinerary.

Key Points

• Beautiful coastal views of Larnaca from a comfortable boat setting
• Snorkeling around the Zenobia wreck offers a unique marine experience
• The crew is praised for professionalism and friendliness
• Limited glass-bottom viewing may disappoint those expecting extensive underwater views
• The short duration makes it ideal for a quick, relaxed activity
• Accessible for all ages, especially with lifeguards ensuring safety for children

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Starting from the Larnaca Marina, the cruise kicks off with an easy check-in process. The boat, named Doremi, is described as clean and spacious, with plenty of shaded seating to escape the sun. The crew, led by a captain and friendly staff, are highlighted as knowledgeable and helpful, making the experience smooth from start to finish.

Scenic Coastline and Iconic Landmarks

As the boat departs, you’ll immediately notice Finikoudes Beach, famous for its vibrant promenade and golden sands. From the water, this stretch of coastline looks especially inviting, and you’ll likely want to capture photos of the lively shoreline. Passing the Medieval Castle, you’ll get a feel for Larnaca’s historical charm, adding some context to your scenic cruise.

The Highlight: Zenobia Shipwreck

The main selling point for many is the stop near the Zenobia shipwreck—a Swedish cargo ferry that capsized in 1980. According to reviews, snorkeling here can be quite fascinating: while visibility varies, the wreck remains a marine magnet, attracting fish and divers alike. Some travelers, like Joanna, mention that the glass-bottom windows are small and don’t offer much underwater view, but snorkeling provides a closer look at marine life amid the wreck.

Additional Swim Stops at Mackenzie Beach

After the wreck, the boat moves to Mackenzie Beach, another popular swimming spot with calm waters. Here, families and kids feel safe thanks to lifeguards and provided life jackets, making it a more relaxed environment for children to play and float.

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Views of Airplanes and Photography Opportunities

One of the unique delights is the chance to watch planes land at Larnaca Airport from the water—something reviewers find particularly exciting. The proximity of the airport adds a distinctive element, offering memorable photo opportunities of aircraft soaring overhead against the backdrop of the sea.

The Actual Experience: What You’ll Love

Comfort and Convenience: The cruise lasts two hours, making it a perfect addition to a day of exploring Larnaca without feeling rushed. The crew provides amenities like snorkeling gear and free Wi-Fi onboard, which enhances the overall experience.

Scenic Views and Photo Ops: The boat’s vantage point reveals stunning vistas of the coastline, landmarks, and planes overhead, creating a rich tapestry of sights. Many reviewers highlight the quality of the scenery, with comments like “the scenery was absolutely breathtaking,” and “watching planes land from the water was absolutely special.”

Marine Encounters: Snorkeling near the wreck can be rewarding, especially if you’re interested in marine life or shipwrecks. Some visitors mention seeing fish during their swim, although the clarity of the glass-bottom windows might limit underwater viewing unless you snorkel.

Family Friendly Atmosphere: The presence of lifeguards, life jackets, and calm waters make this a very suitable activity for children. Many reviews comment on how safe the environment feels, with Olia mentioning that her children swam feeling very safe thanks to the safety measures.

Value for Money: Considering the inclusions—cruise, snorkeling gear, Wi-Fi, and the scenic stops—the price seems reasonable. Reviewers like Nela and Holly find it “absolutely worth the money,” especially with the opportunity to see the shipwreck and relax in a beautiful setting.

Practical Details for Your Trip

Duration & Schedule: The cruise lasts about two hours, with varied start times depending on availability. It’s advisable to check ahead to see what suits your schedule.

Meeting Point: The boat, Doremi, departs from Larnaca Marina. When you arrive, present your ticket to staff in yellow t-shirts, as they’re easy to spot. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

What’s Included & What’s Not: The cruise provides snorkeling gear, Wi-Fi, and the services of a friendly crew. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, but not included, so you might want to bring your own snacks or plan to buy beverages during the trip.

Weather & Route Changes: The route is weather-dependent, and the captain reserves the right to alter the itinerary for safety reasons. This means the specific stops or views might vary slightly day-to-day.

Accessibility & Suitability: Thanks to the short duration and calm waters, this trip is suitable for most age groups and fitness levels. Children will enjoy the swimming stops, and adults will appreciate the scenic cruise and photo opportunities.

Authentic Traveler Reviews: Insights You Won’t Want to Miss

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly, helpful crew and well-organized trips. Thomas notes that “everything was perfectly organized,” while Nela describes the boat as “nice and clean,” emphasizing the relaxed atmosphere onboard.

Many mention the snorkeling at the shipwreck as a memorable highlight, with some describing it as “fascinating” and “spectacular,” despite the occasional comment on visibility. Joanna’s candid review noted that the glass-bottom windows are small, but she still appreciated the overall experience, especially the chance to see marine life.

The social aspect also shines through with Olia sharing how her children felt very safe with lifeguards present, and Yaryna mentioning that her overall experience was “perfect,” despite minor frustrations like cigarette butts in the water (a reminder to always respect the environment).

The Sum Up: Is This Cruise Worth It?

This Larnaca bay cruise offers a gentle yet captivating way to enjoy the coast. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, scenic escape that combines light adventure with plenty of photo opportunities. The boat’s friendly staff, combined with the chance to snorkel around the shipwreck, makes it especially appealing for marine enthusiasts.

The two-hour duration is ideal for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule, while the inclusion of snorkeling gear and Wi-Fi adds convenience and comfort. Although the glass-bottom windows might not satisfy all underwater viewing desires, snorkeling near the wreck compensates for that.

For families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a low-key, memorable day by the sea, this cruise hits the right notes without breaking the bank. It’s a straightforward, well-reviewed activity that delivers genuine moments of beauty, fun, and relaxation.

FAQs

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise runs for approximately two hours, with start times varying according to availability. Check the schedule in advance to pick a suitable time.

Are there any age restrictions?
The cruise is suitable for most ages, especially since it includes swimming stops. The presence of lifeguards and provided life jackets makes it safer for children.

Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, allowing you to explore around the shipwreck and the calmer waters at Mackenzie Beach.

Can I see the shipwreck from the boat?
The boat has a glass-bottom feature, but some reviewers found the small viewing windows limited in visibility. For better marine viewing, snorkeling around the wreck is recommended.

What should I bring?
Bring your own sunscreen, a hat, and possibly a towel or change of clothes for after swimming. Food and drinks can be purchased onboard if needed.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The route and stops are weather-dependent, and the captain has the authority to change the itinerary for safety reasons. It’s always good to check the weather forecast before booking.

This cruise offers a charming slice of Larnaca’s seaside life, combining scenic beauty, marine encounters, and friendly service—all within a brief, enjoyable window. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, it’s an activity that balances relaxation and adventure in a truly authentic way.

You can check availability for your dates here: